Great opportunities
Nursing is a rewarding and respected career that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and contribute positively to the community.
Compassion, patience and strong communication skills are essential attributes for every nurse. The profession has long been regarded as one of the most trusted and ethical in Australia, reflecting the vital role nurses play in supporting individuals, families and communities.
You may already have experience in a healthcare setting, know someone working in the industry, or simply feel
motivated by a desire to help others in times of need. Whatever has inspired your interest, a career in nursing offers diverse pathways and the opportunity to achieve your professional goals.
This eBook will provide you with the information you need to know about nursing: from how to get started, to the skills required, plus exclusive insight into the day-to-day life within the nursing industry. Your journey in healthcare starts here.
Nursing career: an
overview
Then
First, a quick history lesson. Nursing as a profession can be traced back to the early Christian era. However, even in earlier and more primitive societies, it was the role of a caregiver to care for the sick. Traditionally this role was assigned to females, although medical assistance was also provided by shamans and medicine men. Naturally, there was no formal education available for those whose duty it was to tend to the sick, so the earliest nurses learned their craft through traditions passed from generation to generation. Most of the time, caregivers would simply learn by the process of trial and error.
Now
Luckily, in the 21st century, prospective nurses have no need to resort to such haphazard learning methods. With the constant advancement of medical science, researchers learn more each day about the human body, and how best to treat and care for it. This information is the foundation which a career in nursing is built. Today, nurses are medical professionals of the highest calibre, armed with the skills and knowledge to perform their job to the utmost standard. Nurses are on the front line in the battle against illness and injury. They provide care, comfort and help to meet the basic needs of patients from all walks of life. They are the providers of information for health promotion and prevention.
Your options: enrolled nurse or registered nurse
There are many kinds of nurses you will come across in hospitals and medical facilities around Australia; Enrolled Nurses and Registered Nurses are the two most common. In terms of study, there is a significant difference between the two. To become an Enrolled Nurse, a nursing diploma must be completed, whereas to gain employment as a Registered Nurse, a Bachelor of Nursing needs to be completed and will generally require an enrolment into a university. However many students choose to study the nursing diploma to become an Enrolled Nurse so that they can work in the industry while studying to become a Registered Nurse at university. You will also get credit points toward your university degree if you complete the diploma first.
Some major differences in terms of practicalities are the supervisory requirements and role expectations placed on Enrolled Nurses, as opposed to Registered Nurses. An Enrolled Nurse generally must work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Other differences between these roles are determined by scope of practice. As you embark on your career your scope of practice is determined by the policies of your workplace, as well as your experience within your professional career.
Great future
The person: what skills do you need to succeed?
So what do you need to bring to the table? Here are some qualities you will need to succeed in the world of nursing:
• Emotional and physical wellbeing
• Communication skills
• Empathy
• Honesty and integrity
• Problem solving skills
• Adaptability
• Unbias and inclusive
• Patience
• Dedication
• Respect
• Attention to detail
Don’t worry if you are wondering whether or not you possess these admirable traits: your studies and training will ensure you develop these skills, so that you are prepared for workplace situations.
The career: where can you go with nursing?
A range of study options means a range of career options. Here are just some examples of employment areas for enrolled nursing graduates:
• General medical
• Aged care
• Mental health
• Community health
• Renal care
• Surgical unit
• Emergency
Job security
With an ageing population, workforce planning projections show that in the medium to longterm, Australia’s demand for nurses will significantly exceed supply.
Salary
View the Queensland Health wage rates on their website:
Great skills
As in any pursuit, the best way to learn is by doing. At TAFE Queensland, you will have our industry-leading clinical labs at your disposal, including electric beds, ECG machines, vital signs monitors, I.V. trolleys and simulator mannequins, as well as other mannequins. It really is the closest thing to working in a real-life health care setting, allowing you the opportunity to learn the fundamentals within a fully functional, simulated working environment. You will also gain first-hand experience in administering medications, allowing you to gain the confidence you need to step into any health care facility.
A nursing diploma is a perfect example of combining theoretical and practical learning. It aims to develop your skills in providing care for patients, and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing during your vocational work placement. You’ll be undertaking full-time placement in blocks of 2–4 weeks, equating to a minimum of 400 hours within a health
care facility in your local area. In some cases you may need to travel up to an hour from your home depending on the availability of placement. Perhaps the most invaluable component of the course, the placement will help to hone your practical skills, giving you the confidence to perform your duties as an Enrolled Nurse, or embark on further study.
The course: what will you learn?
So now you know what it takes, here’s something to give you a taste of what you’ll be immersing yourself in. In terms of theoretical learning, here are some examples of topics you will cover:
• Administering and monitoring medication
• Wound management
• Communication
• Health assessments
• Caring for patients with acute and chronic health problems
• Workplace health and safety
• Performing fundamental and complex nursing procedures
• Administering intravenous medication
• Observation, critical thinking and researching
• Complex nursing procedures
• Anatomy and physiology
The study: learning the art of nursing
A range of study options are offered to help you enter the world of nursing. Studying a nursing diploma with TAFE Queensland provides unprecedented flexibility for students. Imagine being able to pursue your dream job in nursing without compromising your lifestyle. We give you that opportunity. If you choose to study with a mixed study mode you also have to attend one mandatory Residential School per semester – these residential schools run for a maximum of two weeks. You are also required to undertake a minimum of 400 hours of vocational placement in a health facility in your community within one hour travel time from your home address throughout the course. Upon successful completion of the diploma, you may be eligible for registration as an Enrolled Nurse with the AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Registration Authority). This means you can dive straight into working within the health care sector.
However if your goal is to become a Registered Nurse, completion of a nursing diploma will already have you on the path. Graduates will gain study credit towards a Registered Nursing Program with most leading universities throughout Queensland.
Studiosity: online support
TAFE Queensland students have free access to the online after hours support service, Studiosity. Through Studiosity, you can chat online to expert tutors who can help you with your studies, writing, research and referencing. They can also help with specific subject questions including maths, chemistry, biology, physics, statistics and more. Once enrolled, you will be given instructions on how to access this service. Studiosity is your learning support safety net.
The facilities
Step into our purpose-built facilities where you will learn hands-on using the same tools and equipment used in industry. Put your theory into practice straight away in our clinical labs.
The options: upskill and related courses
On the subject of upskilling, graduates also have the option of expanding their knowledge of the nursing industry. There are a number of other options offered to Enrolled Nurses to enhance their professional development.
The pathways: university
As mentioned earlier, studying nursing at TAFE Queensland can open pathways to further study at universities across Australia. A Bachelor of Nursing is an intensive university course that will enable students to work as a Registered Nurse upon completion. By first completing a nursing diploma, graduates will have a solid nursing foundation and significant credit towards the more intensive university degree as well as the ability to work as an Enrolled Nurse whilst completing their Registered Nursing qualification at University. Study at TAFE will also enable students to get first-hand experience and see what it would be like to work in the real world of nursing. Graduates will be well-equipped to pursue alternative nursing careers, such as midwifery and management.
Partnerships
Ramsay Health Care
TAFE Queensland has partnered with Ramsay Health Care, Australia’s largest private hospital operator and one of the top five hospital operators in the world. With this partnership, you may have the opportunity to gain clinical placement experience which could give you preference for employment, upon completion of your diploma. Hospital locations are available around Australia.
St Vincent’s Health Australia
TAFE Queensland has partnered with St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba to deliver the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121). The 18 month course will be delivered on-site at one of the hospital campuses, allowing you to experience hands-on training in one of Australia’s leading hospital groups and teaching facilities.
Greenslopes Private Hospital
Greenslopes Private Hospital and TAFE Queensland have partnered to deliver an integrated and innovative nursing course. Through this partnership you can study the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane and put what you learn in the classroom into practice in this world-class teaching hospital.
The details: how to get started
By now, you’ll be pretty well prepared (and hopefully a little excited) to immerse yourself in the pursuit of your dream job in nursing. TAFE Queensland wants to help get you there.
Learning skills
Provided by specialised teachers, get support in exam preparation, assignment writing, time management, making presentations, study skills, language, literacy and numeracy support and general study skills.
Flexible study options
Full-time and part-time study options.
On campus counselling
Free and confidential counselling is available to assist and support you with career guidance and personal, study or workrelated issues.
VET Student Loans
Vet Student Loans so you can afford to pursue your dream career for the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121)*.
*VET Student Loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements. A VET Student Loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid. Information about the new program is outlined on the Australian Government’s VET Student Loans website at tafeqld.edu.au/courses/apply-and-enrol/what-it-costs
The success: student testimonials
I credit TAFE Queensland and my teachers for helping me get here. Without my teachers, skills and knowledge I wouldn’t have this job. My teachers are beyond amazing and if I struggle with anything they always take the time to explain and help me understand the content. They are encouraging, supportive and their nursing knowledge is so amazing to have.”
CAITLIN JAZEVSKI
DIPLOMA OF NURSING (HTL54115)
I’ve just started my placement at Gold Coast Hospital in the surgical ward. I am just loving it, and know that a career transition was the right decision and feel I can make an impact.”
RENE PIERRUS
DIPLOMA OF NURSING (HTL54115)
As a mature-age student, choosing to start a new journey in nursing, there were quite a few factors in choosing TAFE Queensland including the flexibility and hands-on training.”
JEREMY WORRINGHAM DIPLOMA OF NURSING (HTL54115)
Scan to read Caitlin’s story